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Abstract
The study was conducted in 2003 to assess the levels .of awareness and adoption of improved varieties of maize in Kokona LGA of N,assarawa State, Fifty maize farmers were randomly chosen to provide the data that were analyzed using frequency distribution percentages and t-test analysis. Results indicated that · 52.08% of the respondents were between 21-30 years of age while 41.67% acquired tertiary education. Similarly, the result discloJ,ed that while there was no significant difference between awareness and adoption levels of varieties, improved variety TZESR ranked first both in terms of popularity and adoption. Furthermore, while mos.t important reasons for farmers' adoption wen~ early maturity an.d high yield, the major causes for non adoptions were low capital fund and handling difficulties. However, the most salient constraints to adoption of improved varieties were identified as inadequate capital and high costs of inputs among others. Thus, the study recommends that adequate capital, input subsidy and effective extension services be provided in the area:. ·